Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters

concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Republic of Guinea on fishing off the Guinean coast for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001

A. Letter from the Government of the Republic of Guinea

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol, initialled on 17 December 1999, setting out the fishing rights and financial contribution for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea is ready to apply that Protocol on a provisional basis from 1 January 2000, pending the entry into force of the Protocol in accordance with Article 16 of the Fisheries Agreement, provided that the European Community is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is paid by 30 June 2000.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Guinea

B. Letter from the Community

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows:

"With reference to the Protocol, initialled on 17 December 1999, setting out the fishing rights and financial contribution for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea is ready to apply that Protocol on a provisional basis from 1 January 2000, pending the entry into force of the Protocol in accordance with Article 16 of the Fisheries Agreement, provided that the European Community is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial compensation specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is paid by 30 June 2000.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application."

I have the honour to confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Union